Each time we turn on the news we are bombarded with so much tragedy and violence. So today I want to take a few minutes to talk about the good in people and the world, because it can be easy to get caught up in the bad.
There are so many wonderful people in Canada who devote countless hours to volunteering, helping those in need, raising money for charity, and lending a helping hand when they see a need. The Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, which was created 20 years ago, helps to honour those who volunteer their time to help others and at the same time build a smarter, more caring nation.
From our local volunteer firefighters and Lions Club, to our SPCA and Red Cross – all play a huge part in making our communities safe, and are helping those in need. It doesn’t matter what time of day or night, whether it’s the middle of summer or the dead of winter when someone is in need there is someone ready and willing to help, no matter the trouble.
Because many of these volunteers prefer to stay “behind the scenes” so to speak, their efforts can go unnoticed. That’s why it’s up to us to recognize those around us who are donating their time, experience, and expertise in such a selfless and generous manner. I am certain that as you read this you can think of at least one person you know who fits this description and deserves to be recognized for their work! They volunteer countless hours without giving any thought to recognition, and that’s exactly why they should be recognized!
Both of my grandmothers devoted many years of their lives to volunteering and each had the honour of receiving an award recognizing their volunteerism. My paternal grandmother was made a Serving Sister of the Order of St. John Ambulance, and received high commendation for her outstanding service and dedication for her work. My maternal grandmother was named the Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Berwick in 2010 for her work with multiple local organizations. In both instances I know they felt tremendous pride, and were flattered to have been recognized.
My grandmother receiving a commendation in Ottawa, 1979, for her volunteer work with St. John Ambulance.
My own volunteer experiences may pale in comparison, but in 2013 I raised over $4000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada through their Team in Training program,
I taught Sunday School for over 10 years, and volunteer each spring to provide Zumba Fitness for the participants of our local Relay for Life event.
So I urge you to think about the people in your life. Is there someone you feel is deserving of the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award? If so – nominate them today at http://caring.gg.ca! I’m certain that they will be honoured to know they were even considered, and to know that their hard work isn’t going unnoticed – Like Luc Racine, the award recipient featured in the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho4QPewRlk8
Even those who aren’t in it for recognition appreciate having their hard work noticed.
Disclosure: This post has been generously sponsored by the Rideau Hall Foundation, but opinions and language are my own and in no way reflect those of the sponsor.
Great post, Suzi! It’s nice to see promotion of good things instead of the negativity we are bombarded with via social media, the news, etc.
I used to volunteer a lot in and post-college. Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way lately but I’ll definitely be rethinking things and offering a bit more of my time.
Thanks! Yes it’s wonderful to be able to put the bad things out of our minds for a while and focus on all the good! I’m sure you do some volunteering now and don’t even realize it!
Your grandmother sounded like a go get’er!
Sadly she passed away when I was small so I didn’t get to know her very well, but I’d say she certainly must have been!
Both great ladies who volunteered for the right reasons, because they loved to help others. Great for them to get recognition for all their years of service. They are good examples of dedication to their communities, and good role models for the younger generations.
Volunteering is a very important part in our communities I am happy to be a part of an organization who doesnt just “write the cheque” we roll up our sleeves and get in there to help in any way we can. We should teach our children to give back to their communites to help build a better world.
Absolutely! It’s such a great way to help give back and teach the younger generation that without volunteers so much of what we take for granted would never happen. Are you rolling $$ for Relay for Life this year? I’m on the stage at 7:30!
volunteering is important, to so many groups that would not be, without volunteers. they are a silent workforce.thanks for posting this suzie
Great article Suzi. What a difference we could make if everyone took a little time to give back.
Great blog post! I think the people who volunteer at hospitals and homes for sick people are amazing! Volunteering does seem to be something that has been somewhat lost since the days of your grandmothers. Bravo to you for following in their footsteps
Great post Suzi and a great reminder to remember all of those who volunteer and give so much of their time for others. I can see that your giving nature has come honestly from your heritage . Some of the biggest volunteer groups/people are those who many do not realize are volunteers, our rural firefighters. Like your Dad, mine jumped when the siren started & raced to the station leaving behind whatever event or project he was working on without a second thought & more often than not, waking from a dead sleep to fight a fire through the night while still going to work the next day.
Like Arlene commented, firefighters are a wonderful example of volunteering. Where would rural communities be without them (probably up in flames!). It is true, they drop everything and go. Having a firefighter in our house, it seems like there is never a Christmas morning that they don’t get a fire call, although the call is often something minor. It also seems like a lot of the big fires happen in the middle of the night. They go fight the fire and then with little or no sleep go to their jobs the next day. Certainly a “glowing” (pun intended) example for all of us. Plus they spend countless hours upgrading their skills, so that they know the proper way to use the equipment and follow protocol in an emergency.
Wonderful article to read. You are right, all the focus seems to be on heartache and violence lately, it was great to read about humanity actually doing something good for a change <3